Cardinal Wuerl Statement on Appointment of New Archbishop of Washington

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Pope Francis today named Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Atlanta the new Archbishop of Washington. Archbishop-designate Gregory will succeed Cardinal Donald Wuerl who submitted his resignation to the Holy Father in November 2015 when he turned 75 years old, in accord with canon law.

Cardinal Wuerl’s statement on the news from the Vatican this morning is below:

“With great joy, I welcome the news that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has favored this local Church with the appointment of Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Atlanta, as the seventh Archbishop of Washington. I join all who appreciate his pastoral abilities, his intellectual gifts and his leadership qualities.

“I have known Archbishop Gregory for many years.  In working with him on a range of pastoral initiatives and programs, I have come to recognize how generously he shares his talents and his love for the Church.

“As the Church of Washington opens a new chapter and looks to the future, we can all, with great confidence and enthusiasm, welcome our new shepherd.”

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